Community programmes
Space to Breathe - Teenage Girls Wellbeing forest School Group for 11-16yrs
COVID has had a big impact on our wellbeing and mental health. If you are a teenage girl, finding life hard, feeling low and in need of a boost this group is for you. Join Rachel , Donna and Abbie , forest school leaders, for some exploring and adventuring in the stunning Kingley Vale Nature Reserve, take part in fun activities designed to boost self esteem, confidence, and nature connection. Make new friends and enjoy just being. Activities include fire lighting, campfire cooking, woodcraft, natural art, bush craft, nature and conservation activities, den building, rope swings and woodland games.
We will be cooking lunch over the campfire as part of the programme. Please let us know any special dietary needs when you book. You'll feel happy and relaxed after a day in the woods.
“ I have loved every minute of Space to Breathe, I have made new friends that I will keep in touch with and have had the opportunity to find myself. To understand that just being me is good enough and I don’t have to try and fit in all the time. Thank you Space to Breathe”
“ The best bit about Space to Breathe is I can just be me. I love all the activities and being in the woods, even when it's raining its fun!!”
For more details and bookings click here
This programme is funded by The National Lottery community fund
Wild Play family Support Programme
Moving into its 4th year our Wild play woodland programme supports families who are impacted by trauma, bereavement, additional needs, chronic illness. This special programme provides a safe space for both parents and children to come a play, receive support and enjoy a morning of woodland activities. Led by our Psychologist and family worker Helen Neary and experienced leaders Donna and Stuart this unique programme combines forest school with specialist support. A chance for families to make friends and relax in a non judgemental space. Sessions are designed for families of primary aged children and are held in Lavant House woods on Thursday mornings. Younger siblings are welcome. We take referrals from Home Start, schools, family support.
"I have gained such great support all members… from Helen on many levels to do with my daughters needs and my struggles as a mum/carer along with Donna and Stuart teaching us both many different types of skills and many fun times as a whole group.
The other amazing benefits are being amongst families who don’t judge, who are desperately in need of support for themselves and their children and this delivers on every level."
Please contact us for more information or referrals on 01253 630270 or email info@chichesterforestschools.com
This programme has been funded by the National Lottery Communities Fund and Sussex Community Foundation Trust
Women's Woodland Group - working in partnership to support clients of My Sisters House Womens Charity.
Our womens woodland wellbeing group is held each week at Kingley Vale Nature Reserve. Chichester Forest Schools CIC have partnered with My Sisters House Womens Charity who support women who have complex needs, this includes women who have experienced domestic violence, mental health difficulties, addiction, poverty and isolation.
Women and are able to enjoy activities that promote nature connection, wellbeing and reduce isolation. Activities include, forest bathing, nature ID, woodland walks, natural craft activities, woodcraft, poetry and wild cooking. Women cook over the fire and enjoy a hot meal together, . The sessions are led by specialist forest school leaders with counselling skills qualifications and Adult mental health first aid which allows us to signpost and support. We are working with My Sisters House Charity also give additional support if we have any concerns. Women come from Bognor Regis and the Chichester area and transport can be provided from Bognor or Chichester.
“ attending the woodland group has been life changing for me, it came at just the right time. I look forward to my time in the special woods. It is healing and being with this amazing group of women is inspiring”
This project has been supported by Natural England We and have a licence to use Kingley Vale Nature Reserve and work closely with them to ensure we leave no trace and look after this amazing place. We are extremely grateful for funding for this project from Sussex Community Foundation and West Sussex County Council. We have just been awarded funding from Natural Englands Nature Connection Fund to keep the sessions going through to Spring.
Woodland wellbeing walks for social prescribers, funded by South Downs National Park & Chichester District Council.
Last summer we were able to run wellbeing walks to promote mental health and wellbeing in Brandy Hole Copse. These gentle Forest Bathing walks offered a chance for those with disabilites to expereince time in nature. We hope very much to be able to offer sessions agin in the spring. Watch this Space.
Coming soon - we're hoping to run Forest School woodland sessions for people with early dementia with carers, funded by Chichester Cityy Council.
For further information on any of these programmes, please email us to get in touch : info@chichesterforestschools.com